I've driven both a Bolt and the new LEAF. The new LEAF really reminded me a lot of the old LEAF in terms of driving dynamics. I'm not a fan of the new speedometer, but I could get used to it. I think it will sell well and that many will choose it over the Bolt. The Bolt is a very expensive car for what you get. I don't remember having a problem with the seats, but the interior materials are sub-par. I also don't care for the styling inside or out. And yes, it is a much smaller car. Also, as mentioned no advanced features like Pro-Pilot.

My biggest problem is that after logging 5.5 years and 55K+ miles in my 2012 SL, I am ready for a change. However, Pro-Pilot and the new features may be enough to convince me to give the new LEAF a go.

test drove both and blogged about both. they are both great options with their own strong points but the reality is the ONLY point in the Bolt's favor is range and its not all that huge. At first glance the question is "how much more am I willing to pay for the extra 80-90 miles of range?"

But after the drive, its more like "How much am I willing to do without?"

FYI; if you want more regen, the LEAF has it since "one pedal driving" is standard across all packages and its just like the Bolt's low gear in that it provides a much higher level of regen and unlike the Bolt double shift, the LEAF now has a single button to push to get there

The Bolt's range is tempting and the LEAF battery is still a question mark, but unfortunately the Bolt's dimensions don't work for us. Other than the battery issue (which really hasn't bitten us hard through 2 leases), I've been very pleased with LEAF's quality and reliability. I may get the 2018 LEAF or purchase my 2015 lease and bide my time. I've got a few months to make my decision.

DaveinOlyWA wrote:the reality is the ONLY point in the Bolt's favor is range and its not all that huge. At first glance the question is "how much more am I willing to pay for the extra 80-90 miles of range?"

The bolded part is purely subjective. Sure, to you an extra 80-90 miles is "not all that huge". To me, it's the difference between another regional/commuter car and an actual road-trip car. I've now taken 2 600+ mile (round trip) road trips (without destination charging) in the 6 weeks I've had my Bolt. There are many more in store for the future. Those extra 80-90 miles make a huge difference, especially with the current state of DCQC infrastructure in Upstate NY / New England. Also, I have taken multiple ~200 mile day trips without the possibility of charging on the road. The Bolt handled it flawlessly, the Leaf would have had to stay home.

The 40kWh 2018 Leaf has a very marginal increase in utility for me over my old 24kWh 2012 Leaf. The Bolt has allowed me, for the first time, to actually visualize going 100% gas-free (which is my personal end-goal), and that's all thanks to that extra 80-90 miles of range.

LeftieBiker wrote:

but the reality is the ONLY point in the Bolt's favor is range

And horsepower. Two things...

...ok, range, horsepower and crisp handling. THREE things the Bolt has going for it. (With apologies to Monty Python.)

This is true, too. I definitely enjoy driving the Bolt much more than I did the Leaf. The Leaf's driving dynamics were disappointing to say the least, but I tolerated them in order to drive an electric car.

Will be putting out a blog detailing the finances of each of the 3 options; LEAF, Bolt, T3.

They are pretty extreme in differences. As far as range goes; I drive a lot so one would think that range is hyper important especially in a state where less than 10 % of the VW settlement will be for public charging but its not. What I have come to realize is that having the capacity to NOT charge to full especially in Summer is what I really need to have.

Granted, this blog will be my POV and its one that must select the options based on the greatest ROI and in the new car world that is pretty much an oxymoron.

DaveinOlyWA wrote:As far as range goes; I drive a lot so one would think that range is hyper important especially in a state where less than 10 % of the VW settlement will be for public charging but its not.

Dave, I respect your opinion and appreciate how vocal you are about EVs. I'm not sure you are listening to others' opinions.

Your region is much better better covered than mine. Also, you're "drive a lot" is wildly different from my "drive a lot". I have been averaging around 2000 miles / month. I consider that driving a lot. My daily M-F driving, however, is typically less than 30 miles. My round-trip commute is 4.5 miles, and I rarely an farther than 10 miles from my home during the week.

My high mileage is because I am a bit of a "weekend warrior". I will regularly drive 500+ miles on a weekend. On average, twice a month. This is where the range of the Bolt makes all the difference over the 2018 Leaf.

I do recognize that my driving patterns are not the norm. Where I take exception is those vocal people, such as yourself, who discount or simply ignore very real use cases in favor of your own driving pattern.

DaveinOlyWA wrote:Granted, this blog will be my POV and its one that must select the options based on the greatest ROI and in the new car world that is pretty much an oxymoron.

I disagree. ROI has monetary implications, but we don't have to limit ourselves to that. Since I upgraded my Leaf to a Bolt, I have been enjoying every minute of EV driving much more. I also have had many more minutes of EV driving (due to taking the car on longer trips). That joy and freedom is absolutely a return on my investment.